The Ultimate Mexico City Bucket List (by Neighborhood)

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The Top Things to Do in Mexico City

Centro Historico

The historic center of Mexico City is brimming with history. This is the neighborhood we lived in for three weeks and I just loved being engulfed in so much history (in hindsight, not sure I would recommend living here). There is so much to do and see here, so lets break it down.

El Zócalo

Aka la Plaza de la Constitución. It is flanked on one side by the Palacio Nacional, containing the office of the President of Mexico, and on the other Cathedral Metropolitana. Fun fact, this is the largest plaza in Latin America and often the site of protests and demonstrations.

Templo Mayor

These ancient ruins are so unassuming; I actually wandered into them by accident while stuffing my face with street tacos. Just Northeast of Zócalo, this was once the main temple of the Mexica people. It was destroyed by the Spanish in the 1500s to make room for the above mentioned cathedral, and not found again until the late 70s! If you are looking for ruins, and don’t have time to make a trip to Teotihuacán, look no further.

Alameda Central

CDMX if full of wonderful parks. After walking around Centro Historico, get some street tacos, and head here to chill and hang out. If you come on a Sunday, bring your roller blades!

Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes

If I haven’t mentioned the architecture in Mexico City yet, this is a great place to start! Art Nouveau and Neoclassical on the outside, Art Deco on the inside, this opulent building is THE cultural center in the city, hosting art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and more!

Monumento a la Revolución

This isn’t a must-see attraction by any means, but if you’re in the area, its pretty cool!

Free Walking Tour

Jack and I love taking walking tours and getting to know a city through the eyes of a local. You get to know the city so much better, and see things you wouldn’t have by yourself. Centro Historico is a perfect place to take a walking tour since it is steeped in history. Did I mention you can get one for free? Check out Free Mexico City Tours!

Paseo de la Reforma

This street runs through the heart of CDMX, from Centro Historico all the way to Chapultepec and Polanco. Although this is the biggest city in North America, Paseo de la Reforma connects all the major neighborhoods, making the city super walkable. Don’t forget to look up. There are so many architectural gems sprinkled along this thoroughfare. A walk down el Paseo is a must on your Mexico City bucket list!

El Ángel de la Independencia

This is iconic CDMX. This golden angel (like literally 24k gold), is the symbol of Mexico’s independence. If you didn’t see the angel, did you even go to Mexico City?

La Condesa & Roma

Ok these neighboring areas are so cute I’m literally obsessed. If you’re planning to digital nomad in CDMX, this is where you need to be. So many coffee shops, cafés, parks, dogs, vibes… the list goes on.

Jack and I lived in La Condesa for a bit during our nomad-ing, and if we ever moved here for real, this is where I want to be. It is so charming and full of character, but also peaceful and laid-back. It’s definitely not a hectic tourist destination, but more a place where people actually live and hang out with their friends.

Jazz

You might be surprised to hear Mexico City is going through a major jazz moment. Although there are jazz clubs all around the city, many are located in these artsy neighborhoods.

Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec

An epic park filled with street vendors, museums, monuments, and even a zoo!

Museo Nacional de Antropología

If you only have time for a few things on this list, THIS BETTER BE ON THERE. This world-renowned museum showcases artifacts from as far back as Maya civilization. Start planning your visit here!

Museo Nacional de Historia, Castillo de Chapultepec

A castle-turned-national history museum. The story of the Niños Héroes (“Boy Heroes”), who died defending the castle against the US during the Mexican-American War, is so fascinating to me. It’s a perspective of the infamous war I was never taught about in my white-washed US History books.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

So this one might sound cheesy, but I found it super helpful when we first arrived. The buses take you all around the city, and to areas you might not even know of yet. If you pass by anywhere super cool, you can always go back and spend more time there!

Polanco

This neighborhood is pretty much on the opposite side of the spectrum as Centro Historico. But that is what is so great about CDMX, why choose when you can do both!

Polanquito

Between Parque Lincoln and Avenida Masaryk, a pedestrian-friendly area with tons of restaurants and cafés. This is the perfect spot to come for a drink at a trendy restaurant, have dinner, or get a vegan churro.

Museo Soumaya

I swear this iconic building was one of the default Windows XP Desktop wallpapers. But either way it is an incredible art museum inside and out. While you’re here, stop at the impressive contemporary art museum, Museo Jumex, right next door!

Day Trips

Teotihuacán

A stint in MX is not complete without ancient ruins. This ancient city is about 30-40min from the city center (around $20 on Uber).

When we came here, we actually messed up the time and it had closed early (check the hours ahead of time!). We were given some vague directions that near by was another attraction.

After following an older man with a walking stick through the dusty, Mexican countryside for what seemed like a little too long, we arrived at a hole in the ground and an outhouse. After crawling inside, we saw it was a museum with some ancient artifacts, and a restaurant, Mictlán Restaurante Subterráneo.

So despite our oversight, all was not lost. Being lured into a hole in the ground by a stranger paid off this time. If you want weird underground cave restaurant vibes, make sure to stop by while you’re here.

You can also skip all this confusion and book a tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacán with a private guide. You will get picked up at your hotel or Airbnb in the city, and driven out to the majestic archeological site before the crowds arrive.

★ Rated: 5 out of 5 (286 reviews)

Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacan

Fly in a hot air balloon over one of the most spectacular places in Mexico, the Teotihuacán Valley, and enjoy one of the most impressive hot air balloon experiences in the world just 45 minutes from Mexico City. Besides the 30-50 minute flight, you will also be treated to coffee service, breakfast, and round trip transportation.

★ Rated: 5 out of 5 (286 reviews)

Omg this experience was perfection from beginning to end, the views were breath taking, the staff was amazing. Its obvious the crew takes pride in every detail. The breakfast provided after the balloon ride was delicious, and the mariachis were the cherry on top. So happy we decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary with Volare.

★★★★★ Cynthia G. (read more reviews)

Frida Kahlo Museum

A museum in Frida’s former home, “Casa Azul“, is dedicated to the life and works of the legendary Mexican artist featuring a collection of personal items, sketches, paintings, and furniture. This really isn’t that far from the city center, but while you’re down here, you might as well make a day of it.. 

Travel Tip: Save time waiting in queues and book your Frida Kahlo Museum tickets in advance!

Xochimilco

Ok this is a fun one. As mentioned above, if you end up south of the city, there are a few things you can do to make a day of it. BYOB and cruise through the canals on brightly colored gondolas. Bring pesos in case you need tip a mariachi band, get some Elote (street corn), or use someone’s restroom.

Food

The best part of Mexico City in my opinion is the food! This one deserves a category all its own. Whether its on the streets or in a Michelin-Star restaurant, you know its going to be good. I’m not even going to list recommendations, because there would be too many.

Plus it takes away all the fun of wandering around and going into random places that catch your eye! You can also take a food tour, like this Free Taco Tour!

Bonus Tip: Free Walking Tours

Jack and I try to do a walking tour every chance we get. It’s such a better way to learn and get to know a city than wandering around aimlessly yourself (which we also like to do). We discovered GuruWalk not too long ago and we’re obsessed. Free walking tours?? Say no more. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

There you have it, your Mexico City bucket list. If you enjoyed any of these spots, or found some not on this list, let me know in the comments!